Chapter 344

Princess Emeriel woke with a weight on her chest, unrelated to her pregnancy. She stretched to relieve the aching in her lower back, sighing. At five months, the strain on her body was becoming significant. Yet, it wasn't physical discomfort that troubled her this morning. She had a bad feeling.

The morning passed, the servants assisting her with bathing and dressing, but the feeling persisted. She tried to dismiss it, reminding herself that delays for Daemonikai were not uncommon; their duties often took longer than anticipated. But the feeling remained.

She attempted distractions—reading, gardening, walking through the plantations—but even time with Ackeira offered little solace. Finally, she went to Blackstone to speak with Grand Lord Vladya.

She hesitated briefly before knocking on his study door. "Come in," came his deep, familiar voice.

Emeriel entered to find the grand lord at his desk, eyes narrowed over a scroll. His brow eased upon seeing her. "Emeriel," he said, setting the parchment aside and rising smoothly. "Please, come in." He crossed to her, steadying her as she sat on a cushion.

She flushed slightly. "Thank you, my lord."

"Is everything well?"

"Yes, yes, all is fine. It's just…" She cleared her throat, smoothing her hand over her belly. "I haven't heard from Daemon in days. I am… worried."

He paused. "You need not be. You know his duties. It wouldn't be the first time they've kept him away from the Citadel for an extended period. There's nothing to be concerned about."

"I know, I keep telling myself that," she fidgeted. "It's just… he said this would be a short journey, a day or two at most. And when there are delays, he usually sends word, not always, but often enough." Her voice softened. "I have a bad feeling." She looked up at him. "I'm sure he's fine. I just… I need to hear from him."

Lord Vladya's eyes dropped, his shoulders tensing subtly. It was a minute reaction, but Emeriel knew him well enough to understand its significance.

She sat straighter. "You know something, don't you?"

He crouched before her, meeting her gaze. "Only that he's delayed. You will hear from him soon. Don't worry. He is fine."

Before she could press further, the door burst open. "I'm really worried this feral episode still persists. Daemon is—" Lord Ottai stopped, seeing her. Alarm flickered in his eyes.

Emeriel stared, her mind seizing on his words. "Feral episode?" Her brow furrowed. "What feral episode?"

The Fourth Ruler paled, his eyes darting to Lord Vladya in a desperate plea. Lord Vladya's glare could have killed. Lord Ottai flushed crimson.

"What I meant," he stammered, "was that the feral male Daemonikai who visited is still… well, his episode is lasting longer than expected, which is why the Grand King is delayed."

Emeriel's frown deepened. "The Grand King went to Crystal Waters to oversee the new lands."

"Of course, of course," Lord Ottai nodded too rapidly. "What I meant was… on his way back, he stopped to check on—uh—a feral male. And… and… that's why he hasn't returned yet."

An awkward silence followed, which the uncomfortable Fourth Ruler felt compelled to fill. "What I meant was, he, um—Vladya," he hissed. "Help me out here!"

"Help you...?" Emeriel rose, her heart racing. "What's going on?"

"Nothing. Don't listen to Ottai," Vladya said through gritted teeth, rising. He shot Lord Ottai another lethal glare. "You know how he is—sometimes he acts as if Morina overfeeds him, other times he's overwhelmed by his duties."

"Vladya's right," Lord Ottai agreed. "I didn't get enough sleep last night."

"No," Emeriel shook her head. "Something is wrong. I feel it."

She fought to control her panic, pressing a hand to her chest to ease her racing heart, but it was no use. "Our bond may be dormant, but I know! Tell me what's going on. Now."

Ottai shook his head, raising his hands defensively. "Nothing. Nothing at all is—"

"You're hiding something!" she cried, backing away, rubbing her chest, struggling to breathe. "Tell me… tell me!"

The room swam as her legs gave way. Strong arms caught her before she fell.

"Emeriel! Emeriel!" Lord Vladya's voice was alarmed. "Can you hear me!?"

She felt herself being held upright.

"Look what you did! How many times have I told you not to speak from the door? You enter a place and make sure the coast is clear!"

"I'm truly sorry! How was I to know she'd be here?!" Lord Ottai's voice was strained and defensive.

Another pair of hands steadied her from the other side. Emeriel sagged gratefully into their support. Her ears rang, her vision blurred. A sharp smack sounded, and Ottai yelped.

"Leave her. I'll take her," Lord Vladya scolded.

She was lifted, cradled against Lord Vladya's chest, her head lolling back, before being gently lowered onto the cushions. The world steadied.

Lord Vladya's face hovered over hers. "Hey. Look at me."

She forced her heavy eyes open to meet his. Were those her loud, rasping breaths filling the room?

"Good girl," his voice softened. "You can hear me?"

She nodded faintly.

"Good. I have no idea what I'm dealing with here. You'll help me, yes? Daemonikai will kill us if something goes wrong," Vladya sighed.

"I can feel his pheromones from here," Lord Ottai added, panicked. "Please, huh? Help us."

"Need… to… breathe…" Emeriel gasped.

"Breathe?" Lord Ottai echoed, confused.

Lord Vladya shoved him aside. "Here. Breathe with me," he said. "In. Out. Come on. Long breaths. Deep. Come on, young one. You can do this."

Emeriel tried, following the rhythm of his breathing—slow, deep inhalations, holding, then releasing steadily. His calm voice anchored her.

"Oh! That kind of breathing!" Lord Ottai exclaimed, rushing forward. "Sure! I can do that."

He joined in, but his breaths were too shallow and rapid, his rhythm completely off. It was so ridiculously Ottai that Emeriel chuckled hoarsely. "You're doing it wrong."

The grand lord blinked. "I am?"

"You are." She smiled, drawing another, easier breath. Her chest loosened, her lungs opened, releasing the crushing weight.

"Better?" Lord Vladya asked, concerned.

"Yes, thank you."

He nodded tersely, relief softening his features. Together, they helped her sit up. Lord Ottai hovered awkwardly, ready to assist.

For a moment, Emeriel felt a lightness, a strange sensation to be surrounded by two of the kingdom's most powerful men, both caring for her. Usually, such attention grated on her nerves—the crowding, coddling, feeling as if she might shatter. But in this moment… she felt cared for, protected.

Until she remembered why she had panicked. The lightness vanished.